How to reduce the aging of marine airbags rubber？

Marine airbags play a key role in ship launching, salvage, and heavy lifting. But like all rubber products, their performance can decline over time due to aging. Rubber aging reduces flexibility, weakens strength, and increases the risk of cracking or failure. If you want your marine airbags to last longer and perform safely, you need to understand why rubber ages and how to slow it down.

In this article, we’ll show you the causes of rubber aging and give you practical tips to protect your marine airbags for the long term.

1. What Causes Rubber Aging in Marine Airbags?

Rubber aging is a physical and chemical process that changes the rubber’s internal structure. These are the main causes:

• UV radiation: Long-term exposure to sunlight breaks down rubber molecules.
• Salt and moisture: Marine environments expose airbags to saltwater and humidity, which accelerate aging.
• Heat and oxygen: High temperatures and oxygen increase oxidation, making rubber harder and brittle.
• Chemicals: Contact with oils, acids, alkalis, or solvents damages the rubber and speeds up degradation.
• Mechanical stress: Overstretching, bending, or surface abrasion wears down the rubber.

2. How Long Does Marine Airbag Rubber Last?

Natural rubber usually lasts between 5 to 10 years, depending on how and where it’s used. But this is not a fixed number.

Rubber molecules change over time due to heat, light, and environmental stress. This causes cracks, loss of elasticity, and stiffness. Contact with harsh chemicals speeds up the process.

However, in ideal conditions—cool, dry, and away from sunlight and chemicals—rubber can age much more slowly. With proper care, marine airbags can last longer than 10 years without serious damage.

3. Best Materials and Design to Fight Aging

Choosing the right materials and structure is the first step in reducing rubber aging:

• Use anti-aging additives: High-quality rubber is mixed with agents that resist UV light and oxidation.
• Reinforced layers: Multi-layer designs add strength and prevent outer surface wear.
• Strong synthetic cords: High-tensile synthetic fabric helps maintain shape and pressure resistance.

NANHAI marine airbags use carefully selected natural rubber, multiple protective layers, and certified synthetic materials for long-lasting performance.

4. How to Use Marine Airbags Properly

Proper use of marine airbags will reduce stress and slow aging:

• Do not overinflate: Stick to the recommended pressure to avoid internal damage.
• Avoid dragging: Always lift or roll airbags—never drag them across rough surfaces.
• Use evenly: Rotate airbags when launching ships to avoid uneven wear.
• Avoid hot surfaces: Do not leave inflated airbags on metal platforms exposed to the sun.

5. How to Store Marine Airbags the Right Way

Storage has a major impact on rubber aging. Follow these tips:

• Clean first: Wash off dirt, salt, and chemicals. Let the airbag dry fully.
• Apply talc powder: This prevents rubber from sticking to itself.
• Fold gently: Do not over-bend or place heavy items on top of folded airbags.
• Keep in a cool, dry place: Avoid direct sunlight, heat, and humidity.
• Avoid contact with chemicals: Store away from fuel, oil, paints, or cleaners.

Proper storage alone can double the lifespan of marine airbags.

6. Perform Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Don’t wait for problems to show. Check your airbags regularly for:

• Surface cracks
• Deformation
• Air leaks
• Hardening of rubber

Repair minor damage with approved tools and patch kits. If aging is severe, replace the airbag to ensure safety.

7. Conclusion: Extend Airbag Life, Protect Your Investment

Rubber aging is natural, but not unstoppable. By choosing the right materials, using airbags correctly, and following proper storage and maintenance methods, you can greatly extend their lifespan.

NANHAI offers high-quality marine airbags made with aging-resistant materials, tested to perform under harsh marine conditions. Contact us today to learn more or request a quote for your next ship launching project.